Language: Propaganda

This film list explores films that have been created, either explicitly or with a more hidden agenda, to convey information, ideas, opinions or images with the intention of influencing the audience.

From films that turn a critical eye to the workings of media and politics, wartime propaganda aiming to stir up national pride,to persuasive environmental campaigns as well as films intended to create sympathy for a particular social issue, there is a long history to explore of filmmakers using the power of the medium to win over audiences to their cause.

The LEGO® Movie(2014)

An ordinary LEGO® minifigure, mistakenly thought to be the Master Builder, is recruited to join a quest to stop an evil LEGO® tyrant.

This hilarious and clever adventure has an ordinary worker suddenly forced to question his life when it’s revealed that rigidly conforming to what’s been presented as normal is giving an evil villain control over everyone’s lives – until the master builders step in to disrupt things.

The Iron Giant(1999)

Superbly animated adaptation following young Hogarth's discovery of a colossal, friendly robot, and his plight to protect him from government agents.

This adaptation of the Ted Hughes novel is cleverly adapted to a 1950s America setting during the paranoia of the Cold War. Hogarth Hughes has to work hard to protect his unusual new friend against prejudice and fear in a film that has a strong message about acceptance and finding non-violent ways to resolve conflict.

WALL-E(2008)

A small, rather hopeless looking robot is left alone on Earth to clean up the mess left by humans, in this wonderful Pixar animation.

This charming animation reveals the possibility of what could happen to the planet if humankind continues to act with disregard for the environment – and makes a plea for people to take responsibility for their actions and care for the Earth.

Fahrenheit 9/11(2004)

Michael Moore's campaigning documentary about how fear was used in American politics in the wake of 9/11.

Characteristically outspoken documentarian Michael Moore is scathing in his analysis of how factors in the US’s foreign policy, including former president Bush’s business interests, shaped the decision to go to war in Iraq, and how the media used the threat of terrorism in the aftermath of 9/11 to gain public assent.

We Are Many(2014)

Documentary examining the events surrounding the 2003 Iraq war and the enormous global protest it provoked.

This documentary celebrates the power of protest, and puts forward a case for how speaking out can be used to unite people across the globe to challenge authority and instigate change at a grassroots level.

Hearts and Minds(1974)

A revealing documentary about the Vietnam War, made and released at a time when it was clear that the war would end in humiliating defeat for the US.

This powerful anti-war documentary harnesses the power of upsetting images set alongside statements from those in charge of leading the conflict to make a case for the futility of the Vietnam war, and the damage it caused to both sides.

Why We Fight: The Battle of Britain(1943)

One of a series of short films made by famed director Frank Capra in World War II, commissioned to encourage US citizens to support the war effort.

This stirring film combines real and staged footage of troops in action to encourage support for the US’s involvement in the war amongst the citizens who felt far removed from the battlefield and were dubious about being drawn into conflict.

Triumph of the Will(1935)

Made by filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl for Germany's Nazi government in 1934, this technically astounding propaganda film glorifies a hateful regime.

This controversial film put its filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl firmly on the wrong side of history. Worthy of study despite its contentious status, the innovative filmmaking techniques used to create the illusion of grandeur and dynamism in the regime it promotes are still influential in filmmaking today.

Went The Day Well?(1942)

British World War II propaganda film about a small English village whose citizens must defend it after it's infiltrated by disguised German soldiers.

Produced by British comedy stalwart Ealing Studios, this film considers the threat of Nazi invasion in a quintessentially English setting. The film celebrates ordinary courage and ingenuity as the villagers become more creative in their attempts to undermine the enemy.

Land Of Promise - The British Documentary Movement - Disc 1(1930)

This collection on four DVDs brings together a wide range of both classic and lesser-known documentaries made in Britain between 1930 and 1950.

This collection of documentary films aims to represent a realistic vision of life in Britain during the challenging period pre-, during, and post-war. Taking on issues such as pleas for pacifism, housing conditions, healthcare and education, this collection intends to bring the issues of ordinary people to the notice of those in authority.

Cathy Come Home(1966)

Honest and unflinching story of a young mother who loses her house, her husband and eventually her children.

This emotional social realist film draws the spotlight to the plight of a young family who, through no fault of their own, drop out of the system, this film was so influential on public opinion that it inspired the founding of charity Shelter.

The Hard Stop(2015)

Documentary about the police shooting of Mark Duggan and its impact on his family, friends and the wider community.

This powerful documentary investigates the aftermath of the police shooting of Mark Duggan and the scars it left on the community he belonged to. Presenting a case for the people who felt their demands for justice were ignored by the authorities, and unpacking the negative media portrayal of Mark Duggan, this film attempts to give context to the rioting that erupted as a result

My Scientology Movie(2015)

Louis Theroux turns his attention to the Church of Scientology and its practices in this bizarre and comical documentary.

The information and misinformation surrounding this infamous organisation is probed by deadpan journalist Louis Theroux as he attempts to understand the appeal of the controversial religious sect, using testimony from people who have left the Church as well as revealing footage of Church members’ behaviour to support his presentation.

The 11th Hour(2007)

Co-written and presented by Leonardo DiCaprio, this excellent documentary highlights the causes and consequences of climate change.

This documentary, poignant to reflect on today, emphasises the urgency of the threat that climate change poses to our world, and aims to inspire action by proposing strategies to reduce the environmentally damaging effects of our day-to-day lifestyles.